Celsius

Flavor:

Strawberry Dragonfruit

Ingredients:

Carbonated Filtered Water, Citric Acid, Natural Flavors, Vegetable Juice(for Color), Sucralose.

Rating: Not Clean

Ingredient Score:

Rated at 2/5 green leaves, the Celsius Strawberry Dragonfruit energy drink falls short of meeting the criteria for cleaner food options. This rating reflects the product’s reliance on non-organic ingredients, inclusion of genetically modified organisms (GMOs), and the presence of added sugars and potentially harmful additives.

The product is not organic, detracting from its clean food status as organic products typically adhere to stricter standards regarding pesticide use and farming practices. The presence of GMOs further impacts the rating negatively, as many consumers seeking clean food options prefer non-GMO products due to concerns over environmental and health impacts.

Citric Acid, while naturally occurring in citrus fruits, is used as an added sugar in this context. Its inclusion not only adds unnecessary sweetness but also contributes to the overall caloric content without providing nutritional benefits. The use of Sucralose, a synthetic sweetener, raises additional health concerns. Although it provides a sweet taste without the calories of sugar, it is a highly processed ingredient and its long-term health effects are still being studied.

The term ‘Natural Flavors’ on an ingredient list is often misleading. It can encompass a wide range of substances, not all of which are derived from the named sources, and some of which may be chemically altered. The lack of transparency regarding these flavors is problematic for those seeking clean and simple ingredients.

The product’s reliance on such ingredients highlights the need for improvement. To align with the values of health-conscious consumers, a shift towards organic, non-GMO ingredients, the elimination of artificial sweeteners like Sucralose, and transparency in flavoring substances is essential.

The 2/5 green leaves rating serves as a clear indicator that Celsius Strawberry Dragonfruit does not align with the health and transparency standards set by cleaner food options. The product’s current formulation places it among the many that contribute to a market saturated with less desirable choices for those striving to consume purer, more natural products.